I went in expecting a decent meal and nothing particularly memorable. A friend had suggested the place after we met up in town, and from the outside, it looked like somewhere we could eat well without making a whole occasion of it.
I ordered Hainanese chicken rice. The chicken was tender, the rice carried a lovely fragrance of ginger and garlic, and the chilli had enough bite to make me reach for another spoonful. It was the sort of meal that reminded me why Singaporeans don’t always need an elaborate menu to be happy at the table.
Then I went to the bathroom.
I know, it sounds like an odd thing to remember about a restaurant. But I wasn’t expecting to find it so well maintained. The floor was spotless, the lighting was bright without being harsh, and the counter had been wiped down properly. Even the mirror was free of the usual watermarks that tend to appear when a space sees plenty of customers.
What caught my attention, though, was the little tray of amenities beside the sink. There were individually wrapped dental floss picks, cotton buds, paper towels, hand lotion and a small basket of sanitary pads. Nothing extravagant, but everything had a purpose. Someone had thought about what a customer might need after a meal, rather than simply providing the bare minimum.
I’ve always believed that hospitality reveals itself most clearly in the details nobody expects you to notice.
Anyone can make a good first impression with attractive interiors and a well-presented plate. Keeping a bathroom clean throughout a busy lunch service is another matter entirely. It takes regular attention, and those small amenities suggest somebody has considered the experience beyond the time spent eating.
Of course, a spotless bathroom doesn’t automatically guarantee an excellent kitchen. I wouldn’t judge a restaurant on one room alone. Still, I couldn’t help wondering whether the same care extended to the way ingredients were handled, tables were cleared and staff looked after their customers.
By the time I returned to the table, my chicken rice had become only part of the story.
I went in remembering the food. I left remembering the bathroom almost as clearly, which might be the strangest compliment I’ve ever given a restaurant.
If you’re curious about the little details that make Singapore’s dining scene so interesting, wander through Singapore Best Restaurants and see what other stories might catch your eye.
